Researchers and a lab in Australia are showing the world that sometimes the biggest heroes may have just six little legs and a chip stuck on their back.

What they are testing could bring to life an army of beetles, each carrying a tiny electronic backpack, entering the rubble of collapsed buildings to locate survivors where no robot or rescue dog could reach.

The technology behind Cyborg beetles is surprisingly simple and at the same time ingenious, scientists from the University of Queensland attached ultra-light backpacks to dark beetles, these backpacks contain microchips and tiny electrodes that stimulate parts of the insect's body, such as antennae or hardened wings called elytra to direct its movements.

The control interface, we don't know if they are gamers, but they chose a video game control that allows an operator to guide the beetle through terrain, thanks to the biology of the insect, natural abilities such as climbing walls, crawling through cracks or exploring narrow tunnels are combined with technology to create a versatile bionic explorer.

The beetles remain alive, active and healthy throughout the mission, the backpacks are removable, do not compromise the useful life of the insect and weigh enough not to interfere with its mobility, even in vertical climbs that still challenge conventional mini robots, in addition, the first tests showed that the beetles can carry slightly heavier batteries, guaranteeing autonomy during searches in disaster zones.

The big difference is that, unlike a traditional robbery, a beetle does not need wheels or mechanical legs to adapt to unstable terrain, it is already programmed by evolution to be an expert in sneaking through any crack, according to scientists, hundreds of Cyborg beetles could be sent into the cracks, each carrying a micro camera and heat sensors, these mini explorers could transmit images in real time, map the structure of the place and even identify signs of life, allowing rescuers Plan safer and faster extraction routes.

What previously took days to map can be done in hours, dramatically increasing the chances of saving lives.